From just Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels as the primary aesthetic treatments a decade ago, the variety and complexity of non-surgical aesthetic treatments has increased tremendously. Whether you plan to turn back the clock, lose a few inches or get acne spots under control, do check out this blog for the latest treatment options. We aim to be an online resource to assist you in navigating the mass of aesthetic and slimming treatments currently available in Malaysia.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Pigmented birthmarks are darker colored
skin spots that are either present at birth or develop shortly after
birth. They come in many different colors, including brown, tan or
black. Topical products is usually of no value in treatment of
pigmented birthmarks while cosmetic camouflage may offer temporary
cover-up.

Photo source : dermnetnz

Nevus of Ota is a birthmark where the pigment cells are found deeper underneath the skin (in the dermis layer)

A common type of pigmented birthmark in
Asians is Nevus of Ota. It presents as a blue or gray patch, usually
on the upper and mid part of the face. Is advisable to seek treatment
early in life due to the psychological trauma and cosmetic
disfigurement caused by the birthmark.

How does laser birthmark removal works
?

Q-switched Nd:YAG
lasers are the mainstay of treatment for Nevus of Ota and are safe
for treating darker skin types. The laser energy is selectively
absorbed by pigments, resulting in pigment destruction. Pigments that
are broken into smaller particles are then eliminated by the body's
immune system.

How many birthmark removal treatments
are required ?

On average, 6 to 10
sessions are required to clear most lesions, with an interval of 6 to
8 weeks between treatments.

Photo source : NCBI

A study published in Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2008 demonstrated the long-term safety and efficacy of laser treatment for Nevus of Ota. Left photo : before treatment, right photo : after 6 laser treatments.

What are the complications of laser
birthmark removal ?

In the hands of an experienced doctor,
the risk associated with laser birthmark removal is minimal. Possible
side effects include temporary darkening of the treated skin or the
treated skin becoming lighter than the normal skin tone. These
effects are transient and can be cleared with the use of sunscreens
and topical bleaching creams.

Friday, September 14, 2012

As we age, our skin gets thinner due to
loss of collagen. In addition, there is also depletion of facial
volume from bone absorption and loss of facial fat pads, leading to
deflated and descended cheeks. Now, it is no longer about
only treating lines or wrinkles but facial volume loss - which is a
key sign of aging should also be addressed. The Non-surgical Facelift
or Liquid Face Lift is a scapel-free alternative that can target multiple
aging concerns.

Increasingly more people are opting for
Non-surgical Facelift with injectable fillers and Botox to achieve a
more subtle, natural and youthful look. Hyaluronic acid filler (which
is made of a sugar occuring naturally in our skin) smoothes lines and
restores volume while Botox softens lines and wrinkles. The effects
typically last from 6 to 18 months.

Non-surgical Facelift offers the added
benefit of :

Instant effects

Natural looking results

Minimal recovery time where the patient can resume their daily activities immediately

When it comes to enhancing facial volume,
a small amount of filler goes a long way. These before and after photos show significant improvement with Non-surgical Facelift. (Left photo : before Non-surgical Facelift, Right photo : after Non-surgical Facelift) Photo source : Juvederm

Dr. Teh graduated with a medical degree from University of Malaya and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Dermatology from National University of Singapore. She has also been awarded a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (USA) and Fellowship in Dermatologic Laser Surgery by Mahidol University, Thailand. She is a fully registered medical doctor with the Malaysian Medical Council.

Disclaimer

The information published in this blog is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The information is not intended to replace or augment a consultation with a health care professional regarding the reader's own medical care.